Interpreters vs Translators: What’s the Difference?

Do you need language translation in your life or business? Have you always wondered whether you need an interpreter or translator? If so, then you first need to start by understanding the difference between interpreters vs translators. 

Doing so will help you gauge which one you need. Once you understand the key differences between the two, you can make the right decision. Maybe you’re a website that needs translation. Perhaps you’re a business that needs an interpreter for an international business meeting. 

Whatever the case might be, read below for an in-depth guide explaining the key differences between the two. 

What Is a Translator? 

If you’re trying to compare interpreters vs translators, you need to understand what each of them does. After that, you’ll see that—other than converting one language into another—they are vastly different positions. 

Let’s start with translation services. What do they do? To put it simply, they translate languages through text. So if you were to Google “cual es mi idioma?” right now, it would show you that it means “what is my language?” in English. That’s a translator. 

Professional translators can be a monumental help to a wide variety of industries, such as: 

• Legal Services 
• Gaming 

• Healthcare 
• Luxury Brands 
• Insurance 
• Government 
• Automotive 

• Banking/Finance 
• Travel 
• Real Estate & more 

Most of them use software programming to decypher the different languages. They use this computer aid software to convert different forms of text into the language of your choosing. 

For example, let’s say that you’ve written a book on How to Overcome Life’s Biggest Obstacles. The book has sold really well in America, and you’ve now discovered that different markets overseas would be interested in purchasing your book as well. 

By using a translator, you could send them your book, and they can translate your original text into Spanish, Chinese, or any language you wish. They’ll proofread their translation to ensure it sends the exact message that you wish. 

What Is an Interpreter? 

When thinking about an interpreter, think along the lines of oral translation. These are services that only occur at the point and time that you need them to. 

This could be used to conduct international business between two companies of different languages, create a conversation between two pen pals over a Zoom call, and so much more. 

Their main job is to quickly translate one language in a way that’s understandable in the other language that they’re translating for. This can be tricky since most languages have different colloquialisms and idioms.  

For example, the sentence “I need to conduct business with you” Doesn’t translate perfectly into Chinese. It would translate to “Yǔ nín kāizhǎn yèwù“, which would come across as “Do business with you”. 

An interpreter will make sure the sentence is translated in a way that your international business partners will understand. 

Translators are also used in Public Relations and press conference matters. For example, say there’s a Pitcher that came over from Japan to play in the MLB. When he first gets there, he doesn’t know English well enough to speak it for himself. 

Using a translator, that Japanese Pitcher can answer questions from the media, speak to fans, engage with his teammates and coaches, and start to learn a new language. 

Which One Do I Need? 

Now that we know the difference between an interpreter and a translator, let’s get down to brass tacks. Which one do you need for your situation? See below for a few questions that you can ask yourself to gauge which one is right for you. 

How Do I Need the Translation Delivered? 

Do you need the translation done in real-time? This could be things like business meetings, press conferences, in-person interviews, video calls, etc. If you need real-time translation, then an interpreter is what you need. 

If you need a translation for text such as emails, books, blog articles, PDF files, or order forms, then a translator is necessary. 

Make sure the timing is correct. Unless you need your translation to take place right away, an interpreter isn’t necessary. We recommend a translator for any other situation to provide a thorough and high-quality translation in text form. 

Which Language Am I Translating to? 

For example, if you speak English, and you need someone to translate your words to Spanish, then you’re translating into Spanish in that instance. 

The direction of the translation is important to note. Interpreters are required to be fluent in both of the languages they’re translating. That way, they can keep the conversation engaging and help both sides understand each other better. 

Translators, on the other hand, typically only convert languages into the language that they speak naturally. If you need someone that can speak both, then an interpreter is the preferred choice. 

How Important is the Accuracy of the Translation? 

If you need your translation to be as clear as possible, which is usually the case with text translation, then you need a translator. 

They’ll take more time to be thorough and concise, going through multiple rounds of proofreading and checking before the results are delivered. 

Interpreters have to work fast, which means they can sometimes offer a lower level of accurate translation. 

Interpreters Vs Translators: Hire the Right One for Your Needs 

Now that you have seen a guide comparing and contrasting interpreters vs translators, be sure to find the right one for your situation. 

Keep in mind, you can use them in combination as well. For example, you can use an interpreter for the initial business meeting, then a translator to send over text notes from the meeting once it’s finished. 

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on language translation, as well as many other helpful topics.